82 results for 'steel block'

News & Information (82)

Craters of the Moon Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Learn simple but effective techniques to hammer-texture and dome metal disks to create beautiful handmade earrings.Created by: Mollie ValenteHammer and Dome the BlanksPlace a Vintaj blank on the stee ...

J is for January - Birthstone Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsPlace your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and letter of your choice to stamp the monogram / initial. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping ...

Golden Buzzer Charm Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsThis 10mm charm is perfect for showcasing a 6mm stamped impression.Gold-fill is harder than sterling or pewter, but not as hard as nickel silver.Place your cha ...

Spiral Lagoon Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsPlace the TierraCast® link on the bracelet in desired location, and use a fine-point Sharpie® (or other extra black permanent marker) to mark where to punch ...

Brass Arrow Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut the wire in half and form an "eye" loop on one end of each wire.Flatten the loop by striking with a chasing hammer on a steel block.Add the following beads ...

Upcycled Cog Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsWhenever walking, watch for unusual/interesting metal objects on the ground! When they are an unknown metal, do not try antiquing them or punching holes with ...

Aqua Love Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsString necklace and finish ends following directions in Beading Cable How-To Sheet below. Use Wire Guardians for a professional finish at the ends of yo ...

Safe Journey Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsTo add texture, place the metal blank on the steel block and use the ball end of the hammer to make a lightly hammered surface.After hammering, the meta ...

Christmas Tree Window Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs LaRue Designer TipsClean the door blanks with fine-grit sandpaper and a polishing cloth, or in a tumbler for 2-3 hours.Find a pleasing portion of the Christmas tin, that fits ...

Busy Bee Earring Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsTape the stamping blanks to the steel block. Use a permanent marker to draw lines where you want to stamp the phrase "BUSY BEE".When stamping, make sure that eac ...

Trisha Earrings Tutorial(Post)

If you've never set faceted stones before, tube settings are a great way to get started.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsGolden Topaz is November's birthstone, and sparkling 4mm CZs are availa ...

Embellished Mixed Metal Dog Tag Necklace (Post)

Created by: Guest Designer Deb FlorosSuggested Supplies 2 #40-080-01-32-9 Gunmetal Plated Steel Ball Chain, 3.2mm By The FOOT (foot)1 #40-803-6 Antiqued Brass Plated Ball Chain Clasp, 3.2mm (100 Pie ...

In the Moment Leather Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsCustomize the word blank:Place the word blank on the steel block and create a dappled texture with the ball peen side of the chasing hammer.Use the brac ...

Cowgirl Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsUse the pein side (rounded) of your hammer to texturize the surface of the copper metal strip on the steel block.Using your metal shears, cut a 3/4 inch by 4 inc ...

Hootie and the Sodalites Earring Tutorial(Post)

Learn how to make stamped earrings using an owl stamp, copper findings and orange sodalite gemstones.Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsChoose a metal design stamp to fit the metal blank.Use tape ...

Riveting 101(Post)

Learn the basics of riveting, including how to distinguish various types of rivets and how to set different rivets. Riveting is a classic, durable and popular way to create cold connections in jewelr ...

Hidden Ecosystem Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy Morris Designer Tips Stamp, hammer and punch holes in the copper until you are satisfied.File any sharp edges.Wrap the strip around a small bottle (aspirin size works well ...

Geared Ring Tutorial(Post)

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsCut a strip of 20-gauge sheet 2.75" long. Smooth and straighten with a nylon hammer.Optional: Texture or stamp (see "How to Make a Metal-Stamped ...

Transylvanian Visitor Pin Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsLaminate or seal the image with Crafter's Pick™ The Ultimate adhesive.Glue the image onto the blank "back" with the Crafter's Pick.Use side cutters to remove p ...

Metal Stamping 101(Post)

Make your own custom charms, pendants, connectors, tags and more! Metal stamping is not only the latest craze — it's also a lot of fun and gives you design freedom. Plus, handcrafted metal components ...

The View Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsStamp front piece first (I used the "l" to make diagonal lines on the window frame). Flatten. Patina with Win-Ox™ and clean with steel wool.Clean back piece with ...

Samba Scarlet Smile Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsLinks Updated!Use a nylon hammer to gently flatten the rock & roll oval link before stamping the plain side.Stamp a practice pattern on paper to ma ...

Dapped Love Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Designer TipsStamp "Love" or desired word or pattern on 19mm brass disk, and antique it using Novacan. (See Metal Stamping 101)Punch a hole near the top of both disks using the 1/16" side of the 2-ho ...

A Dog's Night Out Collar Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsWhether it be the park or the opera, your pooch will prance in style with this custom and personalized doggie necklace.Determine the total length of the ...

The Imp Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPlan out design, and stamp words and symbols. ("I Drink and I Know Things" is a quote from Game of Thrones, and the colors used here are the colors of house La ...

Rough Around The Edges Hoop Earrings Tutorial(Post)

A drawplate is excellent for hardening soft wire without making it brittle, so custom ear wires and handmade hoops are springy and keep their shape.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut a lengt ...

Square on Square Earrings Tutorial(Post)

The rounded corners of Swarovski's cushion square stone in Rose Water Opal crystal, gently echo the rounded corners of TierraCast's Flora square connector in these gently squared earrings.Created by: ...

Garden Gate Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step illustrated instructions for making this pair of earrings, see our Swarovski Dome Round Stone blog article.Suggested Supplies2 each #01-400-12- ...

Sacred Curling Stone Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse 6 wavy disks with the dapping set, to create domed bead caps to fit the rotund trade beads. Flatten the rest with a nylon hammer to create 12mm brass heishi.

Jet Scarab Copper Ring Tutorial(Post)

Depending on the beads you use, this quick and easy unisex design can go from frilly and feminine to macho and masculine.  Created by: Michelle Horning   Designer TipsFor step-by-step instr ...

Witchy Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfec ...

Fly Bee! Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsPunch 1/16" holes in the bracelet where you want to place the rivets.Run the first rivet through the leather, place a washer on it, and use a fine-point Shar ...

Witchy Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfec ...

Bubble Wand - Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut a 10" piece of wire.To straighten and harden the wire, run the length of the wire through the nylon pliers.Use the ring mandrel to form a "bubble" loop (our ...

Cardio Amour Wire Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsFor illustrated step-by-step instructions for this necklace, please see the full Heartbeat Necklace Tutorial in our blog.Suggested Supplies 1 ea ...

Sunny Day Skull Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCreate skull dangles and outer-circle Size 6 E bead dangles with headpins, corrugated beads, and seed beads.For step-by-step direction on making head pin loops ...

Breathe - Riveted Leather Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSet link on leather bracelet, and use a sharp pencil, or fine-point non-smudging marker, to make a dot at each spot to punch.Rotate leather hole punch to sma ...

Copper & Purple Love - Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner Tips Set link on leather bracelet, and use a sharp pencil, or fine-point non-smudging marker, to make a dot at each spot to punch.Rotate leather hole punch to s ...

Emma Dog Tag Tutorial(Post)

Emma is in our warehouse daily, and I wanted to honor her with some Jewelry.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsNew to stamping? See Metal Stamping 101.The 3mm Bridgette stamp set allowed a long ...

Page 394 Bookmark Tutorial(Post)

"Turn to Page 394" is a quote known to most Harry Potter fans. What will you put on your custom bookmarks?Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThe stamp guides are tremendously helpful for keeping ...

Skull Kid Leather Wrapped Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCreate a template from a copyright-free image.Glue your image pattern to the metal with rubber cement, and cut along the pattern with a jeweler's saw.Keep the saw ...

Slam Dunk Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner Tips Stamp player number onto the tag. (For detailed stamping instructions, see link below.)Add additional tags for multiple players, or use larger tags for team n ...

Fresh Pots Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsUse silhouettes of multiple teapots and teacups to make this design. No two are alike.Use rubber cement to glue the paper images to the metal.Saw vertically at all ...

Double Wrap Hammered Rings Tutorial(Post)

Depending on the beads you use, this quick and easy unisex design can go from frilly and feminine to macho and masculine.Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions, see th ...

REACH Stamped Aluminum Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsTo get a feel for the aluminum, firmly stamp the star in a few spots. For a detailed tutorial on metal stamping, see Metal Stamping 101 (PDF).Stamp the word ...

Pumpkin on the Vine Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMake 2 matching spiral head pins. Follow the steps from the Rings & Things blog post "How to Make Spiral Head Pins.Add the following beads to a spiral head ...

Space Needle Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsCut wire in half. File ends flat and straight before beginning to hammer, for a more symmetrical paddle head. Hammer a flat paddle on one end of the wire and f ...

October Ombre Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsTexture and stamp the sterling heart with ribbon design stamp. New to metal stamping? See step-by-step instructions in our free Metal Stamping 101 PDF.Apply st ...

Tangerine Delta Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of E-6000 or GS Hypo Cement into the cup of each setting and light ...

Merry Tag Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsClean the door blanks in a tumbler for 2-3 hours, or with fine-grit sandpaper and a polishing cloth.Find a pleasing portion of the Christmas tin, that fits ...

Aurora Sprinkles Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsCut bezel strip to size (one 8-12" piece) and flatten/ work harden with nylon hammer.Add texture to both sides of bezel strip with texture stamping ham ...

Gear Head Bobby Pin Tutorial(Post)

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips Always wear safety glasses when cutting, drilling or punching.The bobby pin is a little heavier gauge than recommended for the punch, so us ...

Tri-Tone Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsUsing a pre-cut and finished bracelet blank, and precut 6" patterned wire makes this bracelet assemble in a snap!Apply pattern to copper blank with des ...

Avocado Dorado Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSolder Brass Ninja Star* to Copper Disk:If the copper or brass shapes are bent, straighten them with a steel block and nylon or rawhide mallet. (Solder doesn ...

Patterned Wire Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsMeasure, mark and cut patterned wire to desired length.File ends smooth with slightly rounded corners, so the wire pieces match the curve of the disk ...

Bowl of Peaches Earrings - Tutorial(Post)

Learn to make sweet earrings with a dapped set of disks in sterling and copper. A tumbler REALLY gets these domed disks shiny! They are reflecting so much light back, that the Rose Peach crystals loo ...

Memory Journal Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSee the Create a Hinged Metal Memory Journal blog post for a step-by-step tutorial with images.Texturize or etch* various metal pieces for the journal and pa ...

Happy Hour Wine Glass Markers Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCreate stamped charms using Monogram stamp set. New to stamping? See Metal Stamping 101 for an overview, or download our step-by-step PDF stamping guide.Use St ...

Sun Valley Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMeasure and mark the hanging hole placement near the upper corners of the half-round blanks. These should be set back from the edge about 1/16".Use the hole pun ...

Blue Valentines Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlace a Swarovski square cushion stone in the bezel setting. Firmly hold the bezel setting (or work on a rubber block). Use the burnisher to carefully push the ...

Moonshine Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPunch a hole in the top center of each mason jar blank (available in copper, brass and sterling silver). If desired, tumble-polish or sand the blanks to remove a ...

Little Sprout Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step illustrated instructions showing how to engrave the pendant, see Rings & Things blog post "Jewelry Making DIY – Make a Micro Engraved Penda ...

It's Good to Be King Tie Bar Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut the copper strip to about 2" in length. Use a texture hammer or pattern stamp to apply a random pattern. File the corners and sides until smooth.Soft solder ...

Campfire Skies - Riveted Barrette Tutorial(Post)

TierraCast's shimmering antique bronze leather, a hammer-textured spiral link, and shiny black rivets, combine to create a barrette that's perfect for Spring bonfires and Fall festivals. This securel ...

Go West Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMaking the Pendant:Cut the handle loop of the heart charm and file smooth.Mark hole locations with a Sharpie®, and use the hole punch to make two 1/16th-inch ha ...

Starry Night - Constellation Jewelry(Post)

Created by: Summer MelaasSo many options for Constellation necklaces!Pick your favorite blank (something thick, like 16-gauge).Find a constellation that you like. For a good star map, search the web, ...

Metals(Post)

Jump directly to illustration of gold-fill vs. gold plate.What are Elements and Alloys? Metals can be elements or alloys. Elements are the basic building blocks of chemistry. Examples of elements: Ox ...

Fold-Formed Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsJewelry Lab: 52 Experiments, Investigations and Explorations in Metal has a great tutorial on fold forming. Plus of course, Charles Lewton-Brain's book Foldf ...

Mehandi Coil Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse shears to cut flat wire. Texture as desired with texturing hammer or metal stamps.Create coil by wrapping at an angle around large barrel of bail making pl ...

Sweet Skull Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUsing ball-end head pins, make 8 beaded loop dangles in flowery colors. Use one metal rondelle on each side of the crystal bead for fuller dangles. Wrapped loo ...

Go Zags - March Madness Bracelet(Post)

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsStamp the tag with 3mm letter stamps. For longer team names, use a larger tag or smaller set of stamps. See Metal Stamping 101 for detailed stamping inst ...

Crimson and Gray Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: The Rings & Things Showroom TeamDesigner TipsStamp the tag with 3mm letter stamps. For longer team names, use a larger tag or smaller set of stamps. See Metal Stamping 101 for detaile ...

Delightfully Dotty Enameled Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut copper sheet to size or use a premade copper blank. If you have cut your own blank, punch hole in appropriate location and file edges to remove roughness.C ...

Kraken Belt Buckle Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Elisabeth ValenteDesigner TipsConsider taking a jewelry-making class through a local college or art school. The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight and Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Gui ...

DIY Adjustable Bangle Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

This style of bracelet is a great one-size-fits-all design. OK, so technically the same bracelet size won't fit both a petite 6-year-old and a Samoan warrior, but odds are that you can determine one ...

Candara Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer Tips  Unspool approximately 26" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Use ring-be ...

Pleasant Dream Etched Barrette Tutorial(Post)

 Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsCut your metal sheet to desired size and use a file to round the corners and smooth all edges.Clean with Penny Brite® Copper Cleaner and scrubby un ...

Captured Aventurine Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUnspool approximately 20" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Coil the wire around a 14- ...

5 Minute Rings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsCut a 20-gauge or 24-gauge 0.25" (wide) strip of copper, brass or sterling sheet approximately 2.75" long.Smooth and straighten with a nylon hammer.Optional: ...

Northern Copperhead Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUnspool approximately 20" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Make 6 equal sized coils u ...

The North Star Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCreate a bail using a 5/16" x 3" piece of 24-gauge copper sheet: Cut, file, stamp, punch and ream the holes a bit larger. Use bail-making pliers to bend the sta ...

Cognitive Resonance Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsWhen scouring yard sales and 2nd-hand stores for old watches, try to pick up a wide variety of brands and eras, for the best variety of gears. Or look ...